Project OEM (2002 Azure Blue TDI AMF)

[2work]

Afternoon Robin,

I too have noticed that there are a few options out there. It’s something I’m very interested in completing.

The idea of having the steering wheel heating element working without a separate button, in harmony with the heated seat switches is something I will investigate.

Adding the necessary wiring from the heated seat switches could be fairly simply but the biggest hurdle will be getting the power to the steering wheel heating pad itself.

I know limited pins exist either side of the slip ring in its native form. Maybe this it a Tom @timmus challenge to add more pins to the slip ring so I can advance this venture.

I know Tom has recently made terrific progress playing with steering wheels by adding CC to the Tiptronic buttons from an A6. He also mentioned the same limiting factor of connections within the slip ring.

I can only guess that having the later style steering wheel with MFSW buttons, heating element and CC might be too far but we can only but try.

Thoughts Tom @timmus.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[timmus]

Afternoon Robin,

I too have noticed that there are a few options out there. It’s something I’m very interested in completing.

The idea of having the steering wheel heating element working without a selerate button, in harmony with the heated seat switches is something I will investigate.

Adding the necessary wiring from the heated seat switches could be fairly simply but the biggest hurdle will be getting the power to the steering wheel heating pad itself.

I know limited pins exist either side of the slip ring in its native form. Maybe this it a Tom @timmus challenge to add more pins to the slip ring so I can advance this venture.

I know Tom has recently made terrific progress playing with steering wheels by adding CC to the Tiptronic buttons from an A6. He also mentioned the same limiting factor of connections within the slip ring.

I can only guess that having the later style steering wheel with MFSW buttons, heating element and CC might be too far but we can only but try.

Thoughts Tom @timmus.

Kind regards,

Tom

I’m on it, guys. However, my development of new features can be slow, because I’m also delivering all the upgrade options that I already offer (as well as renovating the house!). New things are gradually developed in the gaps in my time ...and we all know that I’m a slavish perfectionist who won’t release anything until it’s done to a standard that I can accept.

Cheers,

Tom

 

[2work]

I’m on it, guys. However, my development of new features can be slow, because I’m also delivering all the upgrade options that I already offer (as well as renovating the house!). New things are gradually developed in the gaps in my time ...and we all know that I’m a slavish perfectionist who won’t release anything until it’s done to a standard that I can accept.

Cheers,

Tom

Thanks Tom,

The work you do in the background is always appreciated here in Leicestershire sir.

After having 2 hire cars for work recently, both having heated steering wheels makes this feature an absolute must. If there is anything you think I can do in the background just let me know. You know I don’t mind meddling with things.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[2work]

Afternoon all,

The latest addition to OEM (not arrived yet) is a Bovee Tune2Air WMA1000 Bluetooth Adapter. It will enable complete wireless connectivity for streaming from my iPhone to the RNSE via the AMI Module.

It’s one of these gadgets:

It has the legacy (30 pin) Apple connection which will plug straight into the cable I have coming from the AMI Module.

This will enable complete cable free streaming just like the cable free calling via the Bluetooth Telephone Module.

This will of course bring phone charging issues. I used to charge my iPhone using the Xcarlink Module then more recently the AMI Module. My plan is to find a VAG QI wireless charger that can be placed underneath the Centre Console Stowage Tray (handbrake tray). I’d look to power it from within the passenger footwell compartment as tapping into the 12v handbrake socket is constant live and will kill my new Varta F19 Battery.

I could quickly achieve this by simply using an off the shelf QI Wireless Charger but want to see what’s possible with a VAG item. Either way I will have something that works in the coming weeks once I’ve done some more research on how vehicle specific chargers work. It may well turn out that fitting something from an ‘Audi of today’ will not be compatible as these are powered up once the ignition is on. They seem to communicate differently these days than to the various CAN communications we have in the A2.

Having my phone charged and fully integrated into the RNS-E (and its peripherals) with no cables is the next goal.

Very happy to hear if anyone else has already made progress with wireless charging utilising a VAG item.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[2work]

Morning all,

The Bovee WMA1000 was waiting for me when I arrived home from work last night. I went straight back out to the A2, plugged it in and paired it with my iPhone. That was all complete in under 60 seconds as the AMI cable is easily access under the trim item forward of the gearstick.

After driving to work this morning I can report that that streaming Virgin Radio from my phone (unlimited data so why not) for some 62miles was flawless. Very happy with this cable free streaming. I’ll stream with Amazon Music all the way home to see if the quality/clarity is just as good as before with the cable plugged in.

I just need to find the best OEM+ option for Qi Wireless Charging now. I have found a few avenues to investigate but it comes at great expense and not sure if the VAG item that looks about the right size/shape will actually work. This is my preferred option so far:

From further reading it looks like this item needs to be added to the Audi it is meant for via VCDS. I’m positive that this will not be able to be correctly powered up in the A2 but I’m sure this is something that I might be able to ‘lie to’ with an extension of the capability to the Arduino. Some testing needed here I think...

Tom @timmus, I know your time is very precious but have you ever looked into this. Do you have any tips or is this a working it out as I go along affair. Happy for any guidance as I’m trying so hard to just go and buy a generic Qi Charger that you place on any surface at home.

That said, if it came to that then Audi officially produced their own so not all that bad:

Again, happy to hear/see any advice from anyone as I’m surely not the first to attempt this.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[flashzero]

Very interested in the wireless charging idea!

 

[2work]

Very interested in the wireless charging idea!

Morning Aris,

There is an OEM looking non OEM (AliExpress) option which is of course cheaper.

It’s this item which looks like it’s based on the newer A4/5 wireless chargers:

I just need to get dimensions of this item to see if it can be ‘made to fit’. Everyone knows I’m not scared of getting the Dremel out if the overall size is only just off. If it’s size makes it a simple fitting to the handbrake tray then great.

The bonus of this item is that it comes with a harness which can easily adapted and extended into the passenger footwell to pick up it a non constant power supply. I’m sure the Fluke will help out here. Failing that I could just add yet another piggy back fuse thing.

I do want to find an OEM option though.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[dj_efk]

Hmmm things that use a fair whack of electrical power (and by their nature tend to get warm) that are made in China in a no-name company factory make me nervous Tom!

I would tread carefully.

 

[2work]

Hmmm things that use a fair whack of electrical power (and by their nature tend to get warm) that are made in China in a no-name company factory make me nervous Tom!

I would tread carefully.

Morning David,

I agree that’s why I’m really after a VAG OEM solution. That said a similar statement could well be said for the Auto Headlight Switch though as this has a constant live feed. Quite a few of us on here have this option without issues (so far).

What I’m after does exist but I need to get the pinout for the factory item I showed earlier to understand how to power it up. If it turns out to be very simple than I’ll buy the VAG item. It’s a small price to pay for pushing the boundaries (and not having molten aluminium on your drive) to achieve my next goal.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[A2Steve]

Just been catching up on your build Tom. As you know all this electrical stuff goes over my head, but its nice to see the work. I'll keep my eye out for a 300amp alternator for you

 

[johnyfartbox]

Any more updates Tom?

 

[2work]

Any more updates Tom?

Not yet John,

I’ve got the dimensions of the A5 wireless charger and will make a template up shortly to see how it looks like it’ll fit under the Centre Stowage Tray. The fitting might be at the detriment to a couple of the push in clips but I’m ok with that.

Failing that I’ll have to speed up the work of getting a ‘good on the eye’ solution for the A6 (C5) armrest retrofit. I’m packaging everything up that I have here to get it to Paul @depronman to see what might be possible. There has to be a way that our entrepreneurial 3D printer member can make this work out.

I only hope that I don’t damage my Twist Centre Stowage Tray whilst being impatient.

Paul PM en route, but expect a parcel in the next few days.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[2work]

Afternoon all,

Not quite needed for my A2 but I do like symmetry so purchased another one of these:

Not badly priced either being a brand new item at £9.44:

I’m positive I paid double, maybe treble for my first on me a few years ago.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[2work]

Hello again,

Another picture here showing the coat hanger fitted in harmony of twin Twist Space Floor Boxes:

I like this shot as you can see quite a lot from this one picture alone:

1. Pair of coat hangers
2. Pair of Twist Space Floor Boxes
3. Just about make out the Bose Speaker Grills
4. Twist Auto Dinning Mirror
5. Twist VW Beetle Sun Glasses Holder
6. SigeGuard
7. Bespoke Footrest
8. Double DIN Dashboard fitted with Heated Seat Climate Unit and RNS-E PU
9. Twist Centre Console Stowage Tray
10. MFSW
11. Auto Headlight Switch
12. How could I forget the beautiful Twist Rear Cup Holder!

Thinking back I should have zoomed out a little to show Rear Electric Window switches. If I had switched the ignition on you might of made out the Colour DIS and the compass within the mirror. I could also have selected reverse to indicate the totally awesome RNS-E custom firmware along with Rear PDC, hindsight and all that!

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[dj_efk]

Hello again,

Another picture here showing the coat hanger fitted in harmony of twin Twist Space Floor Boxes:

View attachment 78349

I like this shot as you can see quite a lot from this one picture alone:

1. Pair of coat hangers
2. Pair of Twist Space Floor Boxes
3. Just about make out the Bose Speaker Grills
4. Twist Auto Dinning Mirror
5. Twist VW Beetle Sun Glasses Holder
6. SigeGuard
7. Bespoke Footrest
8. Double DIN Dashboard fitted with Heated Seat Climate Unit and RNS-E PU
9. Twist Centre Console Stowage Tray
10. MFSW
11. Auto Headlight Switch
12. How could I forget the beautiful Twist Rear Cup Holder!

Thinking back I should have zoomed out a little to show Rear Electric Window switches. If I had switched the ignition on you might of made out the Colour DIS and the compass within the mirror. I could also have selected reverse to indicate the totally awesome RNS-E custom firmware along with Rear PDC, hindsight and all that!

Kind regards,

Tom

A very exacting photo Tom. I'd say you scored very highly as-is.

 

[Proghound]

I’ve got the dimensions of the A5 wireless charger and will make a template up shortly to see how it looks like it’ll fit under the Centre Stowage Tray. The fitting might be at the detriment to a couple of the push in clips but I’m ok with that.

I only hope that I don’t damage my Twist Centre Stowage Tray whilst being impatient.

The console tunnel underneath is convex: at its closest, there's about 2mm to the tray floor, so you'll end up having to cut a hole in the console to sink anything deeper into. You will also need to doctor the floor to remove some of the concave ribs that sit on top of the tunnel, however the outsides of the tray unit do not touch the console at all. You will therefore need to retain at least one of the ribs, so you might as well retain the legs & clips at either end of it too.

Here's a pic of what you'd be working with (the four extra legs have been removed to fit a single-DIN console but you can see where they were):

Keeping within the four legs you have just about 90mm widthways (top to bottom in the pic) by 110mm lengthways. However you have about 125mm widthways which the outsides of the tray unit could reasonably cover. If you retain just the pair of legs on on the far end (to the left in the pic) you have about 140mm to play with under the tray floor.

What I can't tell you is what's underneath the console and how far underneath it is - @timmus might know more?

 

[timmus]

What I can't tell you is what's underneath the console and how far underneath it is - @timmus might know more?

The airbag control module sits beneath the centre tunnel, directly under the storage tray. There’s very little clearance.

 

[2work]

The console tunnel underneath is convex: at its closest, there's about 2mm to the tray floor, so you'll end up having to cut a hole in the console to sink anything deeper into. You will also need to doctor the floor to remove some of the concave ribs that sit on top of the tunnel, however the outsides of the tray unit do not touch the console at all. You will therefore need to retain at least one of the ribs, so you might as well retain the legs & clips at either end of it too.

Here's a pic of what you'd be working with (the four extra legs have been removed to fit a single-DIN console but you can see where they were):

View attachment 78350

Keeping within the four legs you have just about 90mm widthways (top to bottom in the pic) by 110mm lengthways. However you have about 125mm widthways which the outsides of the tray unit could reasonably cover. If you retain just the pair of legs on on the far end (to the left in the pic) you have about 140mm to play with under the tray floor.

What I can't tell you is what's underneath the console and how far underneath it is - @timmus might know more?

The airbag control module sits beneath the centre tunnel, directly under the storage tray. There’s very little clearance.

Evening Ian & Tom,

Thank you very much for the information.

It will be duly noted when I eventually get a wireless charging module here. There must be a way of making this fit and work. I will for sure examine everything before I get the Dremel out.

I could simply raise the height of the ‘floor’ of the handbrake tray (if it wasn’t to interfere with the handbrake itself) as the module is only 28mm tall or it might just end up being something that has to wait until I get the A6 (C5) armrest beautifully fitted then incorporate it inside said armrest.

Either way I will not be beaten into submission by some plastic. I will have wireless charging functionality soon enough. Just need to make sure I have considered as much as I can. I’ll no doubt post my thoughts here along the way before go firm with my intentions as someone else out there might just have a novel idea/ option I haven’t considered.

Thanks again.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[johnyfartbox]

Personally, if I had the arm rest option, I would be going there..

 

[2work]

Personally, if I had the arm rest option, I would be going there..

I’m with you John,

It will be a much easier option but I rarely take the easy option. I’d like to see what’s possible with being inventive first with what Audi provided us.

There is also the trim panel below the asthtray to consider but I do think the charging module is a bit big to fit within this area. That said, as it slopes downwards I wander if this could be raised to accommodate it, it’s where most manufacturers have placed their wireless chargers after all.

Decisions decisions.

Kind regards,

Tom